Obama: No government bureaucrats -- or insurance bureaucrats

President Obama has wrapped up his health town hall in Portsmouth, N.H. -- no arguments, no shouting matches, though there were a few quesions from self-proclaimed "skeptics" of the president's plan.

Still, Obama delivered his message: His vision of health care reform includes new rules for insurance companies designed to benefit consumers. He also fired back at critics who claim his plan amounts to a "government takeover" of the health care system.

Quote: "I don't think government bureaucrats should be meddling. But I also don't think insurance company bureaucrats should be meddling,"

Here's some play-by-play.

1:06 p.m. - President Obama gives shout-outs to New Hampshire politicos. Our Rich Wolf reports that the crowd is almost all pro-Obama -- doesn't sound like there will be any confrontations today.

1:14 p.m. - After a standard defense of the stimulus bill and other economic policies, Obama gets back to what he calls "health insurance reform." Says the system works better for the insurance people rather than than real people. "We've got to change that," he says.

1:16 p.m. - Obama goes after "mis-information" about his plans, saying "this is not about putting the government is change of your health insurance." Says decisions should not be made by government bureaucrats or "insurance bureaucrats," the latter comment drawing big applause.

1:20 p.m.- The main pitch: Under his plan, Obama says insurance companies can't deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, cannot drop insurance after you get stick, cannot cap coverage leading to exorbitant costs, and will require coverage for preventive care. Decries the "noise" and "shouting" over his plan.

1:22 p.m. - Obama says he doesn't mind "vigorous debate," but wants people to talk "with each other and not over each other."

1:25 p.m. - "What is truly scary, what is truly risky" is to do nothing, Obama says, wrapping up. Questions are next.

1:26 p.m - Obama says he's looking to hear from opponents.

1:31 p.m.- A New Hampshire state rep -- a Democrat, NOT an opponent -- asks Obama, why not pass a plan despite Republican objections? The Democrats have big congressional majorities, after all. Obama says he has too many Republican friends seeking a bi-partisan plan, but he adds that too many people are getting "pounded" by the curr rent system. "We have to get it done," he says.

1:37 p.m. - A young girl laments the "mean things" being said about health care reform, and wonders how people can learn the truth. Obama blasts the idea that the legislation authorizes "death panels" that can authorize euthanasia of old people -- "I am not in favor of that," he says mockingly. Adds that the bill only calls for information about end of life issues, and does not allow "rationing" of care for the elderly. Notes that the insurance companies are already "rationing care." Acknowledges "fear" of change, but calls it unfounded.

1:41 p,m. - A man on Medicaid asks about drug coverage. Obama says government programs should seek the best financial deal, but also the best medical one, such as when it comes to the difference between generic drugs and brand-name ones.

1:44 p.m.- A lady on Medicare wonders how Obama's plan will affect Medicare supplements. Obama says it's a myth to suggest he is seeking Medicare cuts, noting that the AARP has endorsed his approach. Says he wants to make the Medicare system more efficient, in part by eliminating unnecessary insurance subsidies.

1:50 p.m. - A somewhat critical question: A man asks if the "public option" will undercut private insurance companies, noting that no one can compete with the government, Obama repeats that creating a government-paid insurance system would be "too disruptive," but a smaller "public option" would help the uninsured get coverage and keep the insurance companies "honest."

1:52 p.m. - An English and journalism teacher at Portsmouth High School asks about mental health care. Obama says mental health has always been "under valued" in the insurance market, and that severe depression can be as dangerous as a broken leg. Obama wants a "mental health component" in his package.

1:59 p.m. - A college students wonders how all this will be paid for, questioning the need for middle class taxes and expressing concern about the deficit. Obama says he won 't sign a bill that increases the federal deficit, chiding the Republicans under the Bush administration for passing a prescription drug bill that was not financed. Estimates the cost of reform at $800 billion to $1 trillion over the next decade, some of which can be financed by cutting "inefficiencies." Says his preferred approach is higher taxes for people making more than $250,000 a year, but members of Congress have other ideas. "We are still exploring those ideas," he said, adding that he does not want to tax people who make less than $250,000 annually.

2:07 p.m. - Obama asks for "skeptical" or "suspicious" questioners. A woman asks where will we get the doctors and nurses to help all the uninsured people (about 46 million of them). She fears "more demand" under a new health care plan, but "less supply." Also asks about plans to have a panel of experts on medical procedures. Obama says the panels can recommend more efficiently and less costly medical care. "There's got to be a lot of waste in the system," he says.

Obama also acknowledges a shortage of nurses and primary care physicians. Says changes in reimbursement rates could encourage more doctors to go into general care and family protection.

2:08 p.m. - A self-proclaimed "skeptic" wonders why Congress gets better care. Obama says members of Congress -- and other federal employees -- get a "pretty good deal" because they're in such a large pool. And that's exactly what he would like to do with health care reform, create large pools that can foster lower insurance rates. Acknowledges legitmate concern about overall costs of the program, but tells the crowd: "The status quo is not acceptable for you."

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About David Jackson

David's journalism career spans three decades, including coverage of five presidential elections, the Oklahoma City bombing, the 2000 Florida presidential recount and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He has covered the White House for USA TODAY since 2005. His interests include history, politics, books, movies and college football -- not necessarily in that order. More about David